Syntax circuitry: a mobile game for practicing programming language syntax
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Date
2014
Authors
Shellington, W. A.
Rizvi, M.
Humphries, T. O.
Morsi, R.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nazarbayev University
Abstract
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics [1], computer science professions are
among the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., and computer science occupations will add more
than half a million new jobs in the next ten years. A similar need for computer professionals is expected
in Kazakhstan. Simultaneously, universities in the U.S. and worldwide are seeing poor retention rates
in computer science, a major reason being that students often view the early courses in the subject as
uninteresting and dull [2]. Game-based learning is one of many techniques proposed to address this
issue [2,3,4,5]. We have developed a mobile game that provides an engaging way for students to practice
(not learn) the basic syntax of C, C++ and Java (since these languages share the same syntax for basic
constructs like declarations, selection and iteration). Learning programming language syntax is a tedious
process. Practicing by programming is, of course, ideal, but we believe that a game which is fun to play in
their spare time will help students get used to distinguishing correct syntactical constructs quickly.
Description
Keywords
syntax circuitry, practicing programming, language syntax